Author's Note: Wow, I'm really belting out these chapters now, aren't I? Anyways, here's Chapter 17, hope you like it...Read Review, and Enjoy!!
Harry was sitting at the table, picking at his breakfast. Neville was sitting beside him, doing the same. Jason and Hermione walked into the Great Hall and sat down across from them. Harry and Hermione did their best not to look at each other, given the tension between them. However, Hermione couldn't help but notice the distance in Harry's eyes. She nudged Jason, who looked up from his breakfast to see Harry and Neville.
"Harry?" Jason asked, "Everything alright?"
Harry looked up from his breakfast to look at Jason, trying to avoid locking eyes with Hermione. "Would you believe me if I said everything was fine?" he asked.
Jason, stoned-faced, shook his head. Harry let out a long sigh. "It's Cho," he said, "I went to her office yesterday and, well to make a long story short, she still loves Cedric. Moreso than me."
"Did she say this to you?" Jason asked.
"She didn't have to," Harry said, "I could see it in her eyes."
"Harry, I think you're reading too much into it," Hermione said, "Maybe she still does love Cedric, but you have to think, she chose to be with you,"
"And I suppose by that logic, Cho would never get bored and have a change of heart," Harry said sarcastically.
"Harry, that's a little hurtful," Jason said, "Hermione has a point. If Cho never actually said it, then her response is open to interpretation. Go talk to her."
Harry shook his head. "Quidditch tryouts are today," he said, "I need to have my head clear."
"What about you, Neville?" Hermione asked, "You look sadder than Harry."
"I blew my chance," Neville said, "I was too late telling Luna how I felt about her."
"Neville, do you want my advice on that?" Jason asked. Neville nodded. "If someone means that much to you," Jason said, taking Hermione's hand in his, "It is never too late to tell them so."
"But I don't know how to now," Neville said, "She's with Ernie Macmillan."
Jason thought long and hard for a moment, then nodded. "Neville, it's times likes these, a specific song lyric can sum up much," he said, "I'll get by...with a little help...from my friends."
Neville cocked his head questioningly. "I'm not sure I follow," he said.
"Neville, do you love Luna?" Jason asked.
"Of course I do," Nevile replied.
"Do you wanna be with her?" Jason asked.
"More than anything," Neville said.
"That's all I need to hear," Jason said, "I'll help you. I'll see what I can do about herding you and Luna together so you can tell her."
"Thanks," Neville said.
"Has anyone seen Ron?" Harry asked suddenly, "He's usually the first to breakfast."
Jason looked over at the Hufflepuff table and turned back, concerned. "Alice isn't here, either," he said.
As they scanned the entire Great Hall, Neville caught sight of Ron and Alice walking through the doors. Neville nudged Harry, who turned his head to see Ron. Hermione and Jason turned their heads to see Ron and Alice. Ron had his arm around Alice's shoulder. Alice was resting her head on Ron's shoulder. The two stopped in the doorway and held each other for a long embrace. They soon parted and went to their separate tables. Ron sat down and looked up at his friends.
"Morning, mates," Ron said, getting himself a plate of food.
"You're in quite the good mood," Harry said, "Sleep well?"
"As well as can be," Ron said, "Didn't really get to sleep till late."
"Why's that?" Hermione asked.
Ron glanced at Jason and hesitated. "Umm," he began, "Lost track of time in the Room of Requirement. Was practicing my fire skills."
"Now why don't you tell us the truth," Jason said, looking very unhappy.
"You're implying I'm lying?" Ron asked.
"I'm telling you you're lying," Jason said, "We watched you walk into the Great Hall with my sister, who hadn't been heard from either until just now. Now, either you tell me the truth, or I have my sister tell me."
Ron said nothing, obviously weighing his options. Jason, however, had grown impatient and jumped up from the table.
"Jason, wait," Ron said, getting and grabbing at Jason's robe.
Jason opened his palm and telekinetically shoved Ron back into a sitting position. "Sit down," Jason hissed as he walked over to the Hufflepuff table.
Jason sat down next to Alice and started talking to her. Ron turned to Harry, Hermione, and Neville. His face had turned pale and he looked scared to death.
"He's gonna murder me," Ron said.
"Ron, what did you do?" Harry asked.
Suddenly, Jason jumped from his seat, catching Harry's, Hermione's, and Neville's attention. Jason slowly turned to glare at Ron. He slowly walked over to Ron, his eyes burning a hole through Ron. Jason held out his hand and telekinetically drew Ron from his seat to a standing position facing him. Jason looked Ron dead in the eyes, his face contorted into a look of intense hatred. Suddenly, Jason's snarl switched to an ear-to-ear grin. Jason chuckled as he grabbed Ron and pulled him into a big hug.
"You redheaded knucklehead," Jason said, "Why couldn't you just tell us?"
"Tell us what?" Hermione asked.
"Ron and Alice left Hogwarts last night," Jason said, "They went to Hogsmeade and tied the knot."
"WHAT?!" Harry and Harry exclaimed, getting Ginny and Draco's attention from the Slytherin table.
"Keep it down, guys," Ron said, "Alice and I didn't want people to know just yet."
"Ron, what would possess you elope in the middle of the night?" Hermione asked.
"Well," Ron began, "We were in the Room of Requirement together..."
"Together?" Harry asked questioningly, "Together how?"
"Together," Ron said, "That's all you need to know. And we both decided that what we wanted most was to be married. I mean, with the war coming, we didn't know when we'd have another chance to be married."
"But, I thought Alice wanted a big wedding," Hermione said.
"My sister wants whatever her heart tells her she wants," Jason said, "Obviously this is what she wanted."
"Well, Ron, congratulations," Harry said.
"Thanks, mate," Ron said, "Hurry up and finish breakfast. Quidditch tryouts are today."
After breakfast, everyone gathered on the quidditch pitch. "Before we start," Ron said, "I want everyone to know that if you were on the team last year, that doesn't guarantee you a spot this year."
"What about Harry?" Seamus asked, "He's been seeker since first year. You're saying his spot isn't guaranteed?"
"I don't play favorites," Ron said, "So, even Harry has to try out for the position again."
"Like anyone's a better flyer than Harry," Dean said.
"Sounds like a challenge," Jason said with a smirk, "What do you say, Harry?"
Harry was stunned. Nobody had ever challenged his authority before. "I accept," he said. Harry and Jason stood face to face, both grinning. Harry welcomed a challenge.
"Alright, here's the task," Ron said, pulling the golden snitch from the case, "First one to catch the snitch gets the position of seeker."
Ron tossed to snitch up into the air and it began frantically flying about. Harry and Jason mounted their brooms and flew off after the snitch. Everyone stood on the sidelines, watching Harry and Jason's aerial battle. Harry suddenly veered sharply to the right, his eyes fixed on catching the snitch. Jason countered with a sharp bank to the left, grabbing the front of his broom and hopping to his skysurfing position. Both Harry and Jason circled around, closing in on the snitch, getting higher and higher as they got closer. Harry reached out for the snitch, but lost his balance and slipped off his broom. Everyone gasped as Harry plummeted towards the ground. Jason dove off his broom and grabbed Harry by the waist, pulling him close. At the last moment, Jason turned in mid-air, his back slamming into the ground, driving the wind out of him.
"You alright, Harry?" Jason asked.
"Yeah," Harry said.
Harry then noticed the snitch in Jason's hand. "You caught the snitch?" Harry asked.
"As I was jumping off the broom, I made a wild grab," Jason said.
"I guess you're the new seeker," Harry said.
Jason shook his head and put the snitch in Harry's hand. "I didn't really wanna be seeker," he said, "I just wanted to give you a challenge."
Everyone rushed out onto the pitch as Jason and Harry stood up. "Are you both okay?" Hermione asked, throwing her arms around Jason's neck.
"We're fine," Jason said, "Right, Harry?"
Harry nodded his head, holding out the snitch. "Nice grab, Harry," Ron said, "Guess that's why you been seeker all these years. Jason, as the runner-up and for the awesome display you put on, I'm offering you a position as a chaser."
"I'd be honored," Jason said, shaking Ron's hand.
"Alright, mates," Ron said, "Let's see if you can top that."
A brief chuckle rippled through everyone. As the afternoon wore on to the evening, everyone gathered on the pitch. Ron, being captain, had named himself keeper. Harry had retained his position of seeker, though the truth of what happened would be kept secret between him and Jason. Dean and Seamus had made the positions of beaters. Jason, thanks to his broom skills, had made chaser along with Ginny and Parvati.
"Okay," Ron said, "Meet here tomorrow afternoon for first practice." Everyone nodded and began dispersing.
Harry was walking through the halls towards his room when he saw Cho waiting by the portrait to his common room. "Can I help you?" Harry asked.
"I wanted to talk to you," Cho replied.
"I'm not in a talking mood," Harry said, turning to the portrait, "Infinity." The portrait opened and Harry stepped inside, followed by Cho.
"Harry, I wanted to apologize for the other day," Cho said.
"Are you sorry because you love Cedric more than me?" Harry asked, "Or are you sorry because you got caught in your lies?"
"Harry, how could you say something like that?" Cho asked.
"Is it not the truth?" Harry asked, "Are you not still in love with Cedric?"
Cho was silent, which irritated Harry. "You see?" Harry asked, "It's been him the whole time. I was a fool to think you actually cared for me."
"Harry," Cho began, "Harry, I do--"
"I think it's time you left, Cho," Harry said walking into his bedroom and locking the door behind him.
Cho collapsed into a chair and burst into tears. She knew she screwed up. "What am I going to do?" she said to herself.
Suddenly, the door to the common room opened and Hermione walked in. "Cho?" she asked, "Is everything alright?"
Cho shook her head through her sobs. "It's Harry," she said, "He's so angry."
"He's just upset," Hermione said, "There are many things on his mind right now. He'll come to his senses. I know he will."
"What makes you think so?" Cho asked.
"Because he loves you," Hermione answered, "He may be mad right now, but deep down he still loves you. Just give it time."
Cho nodded, stood up, and walked out. When the door closed behind Cho, Hermione turned around and walked to the door to Harry's room and banged on it. The door opened and Harry stuck his head out.
"What do you want?" Harry asked.
"What the bloody hell is your problem?" Hermione asked, "You've been acting like a real prick lately."
"If you're looking to pick a fight," Harry began, "Then please do it some other time. I'm not in the mood right now."
"Don't you think you've been an asshole to Cho long enough?" Hermione asked, "For Merlin's sake, even I can see she feels bad."
"She feels bad because she got caught in her lies," Harry said.
"You're being way too critical," Hermione said.
"Am I?" Harry asked.
"Yes, you are," Hermione said, "You're mad at Cho because she has feelings for Cedric, but what you don't understand is that you're being hypocritical."
"How am I being hypocritical?" Harry asked.
"You're mad at Cho cause she has feelings for Cedric, yet you have feelings for me!" Hermione blurted out.
Harry fell silent, his stern facial expression unchanging. "You still haven't let that go, have you?" he asked, "Hermione, I don't know how clear I can be. It shouldn't have happened. Get over it."
"Get over it?" Hermione asked, "Who kissed who, Harry? At least be man enough to accept that you did that."
"Man enough?" Harry asked, "You think I'm not man enough?"
"You've dodged the subject way too many times," Hermione said, "So yeah, I don't think you're man enough."
Harry's face twisted in a look of bewilderment. The two stood there for a moment in silence. Suddenly, Harry grabbed Hermione by the waist and pressed his lips against hers. Hermione jumped a bit, then began to relax. She flung her arms around Harry's neck and leaned into his kiss.
"What am I doing?" Hermione thought, "I shouldn't be doing this. But, I can't help myself."
Harry sneak a hand up Hermione's t-shirt and began running his fingers up and down her back. Hermione softly moaned and ran her fingers through his hair. Suddenly, an image of Jason flashed through Hermione's mind. At the same time, an image of an enraged Jason flashed through Harry's mind. Startled, Harry and Hermione quickly separated. Neither would look the other in the eye.
"Harry, we really need to stop doing this," Hermione said.
"I agree with you," Harry said, "I apologize."
Hermione turned and walked away as Harry walked into his room.
In the courtyard, Draco was sitting beneath a tree, enjoying the cool breeze. He began to think about his father. "I wish I could tell someone," Draco said to himself.
Suddenly he felt his bookbag buzz. He reached in and pulled out his orb. It was glowing and soon had him hyptonized. In an instant, Draco's conciousness was sucked into the orb, plunging Draco into a vision.
Draco was wandering through a field. A warm breeze surrounded him and the sun shone down on him. He was walking down a dirt path. Suddenly, the path forked. To the left, Draco saw Lucious Malfoy and Voldemort standing, beckoning him. To the right, Draco saw Narcissa Malfoy and Ginny Weasley, calling to him.
"Draco," Voldemort hissed, "Come to us. Fulfill your destiny."
"Don't listen to him, Draco," Narcissa said, "Come back to us. You are not like them."
"Don't listen to your mother, Draco," Lucious said, "She does not know what's best for you. I have been looking out for your best interests since you were born. You can trust me." Draco lowered his head. His father had a point.
"Draco," Ginny called out, "Please don't leave me. I love you."
"Either way, Draco," Voldemort hissed, "You must make your choice."
Draco looked both ways, trying to make his choice. Suddenly, all four of them began talking at once, the sounds of their voices running together. Draco's head began to throb as the sound of the voices.
"Stop it," Draco said, the pain almost crippling him, "Stop it. Stop it. STOP IT!!!"
Suddenly, everything burned white.
Draco woke up still sitting underneath the tree. Draco saw the orb in his hand as the message appeared.
"At the time of the Red Dawn, he who posseses the spirit of the serpent shall find himself at the crossroads of good and evil. His heart capable of both, he must choose which side of the battle he stands on. For only a double betrayal will bring an end to the serpent's internal struggle."
The message faded and the orb's light faded away. Draco rested his head on the tree as stared up at the sky. "For the first time in my life," he said, "I'm completely, utterly, lost."
A/N: So that was chapter 17...the plot begins to thicken...Chapter 18 will be up when i finish writing another chapter...